Auteur/autrice : paddy.moore@oceansupercluster.ca

Projet CoLab Enterprise (CoLab Enterprise)

St. John’s, T.-N.-L.) – Supergrappe des océans du Canada a annoncé trois projets découlant de son volet Programme de solutions océaniques accélérées (AOSP) dont le projet CoLab Enterprise. Grâce à la collaboration d’entreprises en démarrage, de PME et d’autres partenaires des secteurs de l’océan, le projet fournit une solution mondiale aux secteurs de l’océan avec un accent accru sur la réalisation d’une plus grande productivité, des opérations à distance et des technologies environnementales.

De la valeur totale du projet de 2 801 948 $, Supergrappe des océans fournira un financement de 1 634 563 $ pour compléter le financement de 1 167 385 $ provenant de partenaires de l’industrie. Le projet Colab Enterprise est dirigé par Colab Software en partenariat avec Genoa Design, Kraken Robotics et Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador afin de construire et de commercialiser la plateforme d’examen et de communication d’ingénierie prête pour l’entreprise hautement configurable de Colab, qui soutient l’avenir des entreprises fondées sur des modèles Agile et des solutions de jumeaux numériques.

Le projet Colab Enterprise contribuera à rehausser l’avantage concurrentiel du Canada dans le développement numérique et la gestion de projets d’ingénierie complexes grâce à une solution infonuagique qui combine la technologie d’examen de conception 3D et le suivi des problèmes mécaniques pour appuyer en toute sécurité des milliers d’utilisateurs collaborant en temps réel. Aujourd’hui, on ne trouve pas de plateforme comparable sur le marché qui combine ces capacités pour la numérisation et la collaboration.

Cette technologie s’applique non seulement aux partenaires concernés et aux secteurs océaniques, mais elle convient également à de vastes applications dans tous les secteurs verticaux du secteur manufacturier pour toute entreprise souhaitant gérer des projets complexes tout en réduisant les coûts et en rehaussant l’efficacité et la qualité.

Supergrappe des océans du Canada est un groupe de transformation dirigé par l’industrie visant à résoudre les défis communs des secteurs de l’océan par un programme concerté conçu pour accélérer le développement et la commercialisation de solutions pertinentes à l’échelle mondiale tout en bâtissant une main-d’œuvre inclusive et hautement qualifiée. Supergrappe des océans a ajouté un volet de projet supplémentaire appelé Programme de solutions océaniques accéléré (AOSP) à ses programmes de base en vue de stimuler l’innovation et de nouveaux investissements de l’industrie pendant cette période difficile. Cela permet d’élaborer de plus petits projets ayant un échéancier plus court qui procurent des résultats concrets tout en continuant à renforcer la résilience dans nos secteurs de l’océan.

Citations

« Je suis ravi de voir Supergrappe des océans du Canada prendre un tel élan, avec la venue de trois nouveaux projets très novateurs à son Programme de solutions océaniques accélérées. Par leurs investissements dans des technologies et des solutions fabriquées au Canada comme le projet Colab Enterprise, les supergrappes stimulent l’écosystème du secteur de l’océan. C’est réellement une bonne nouvelle pour le Canada.  Le Canada accentue sa position sur le marché des technologies océaniques grâce à ce genre de collaboration intersectorielle. »

L’honorable Navdeep Bains, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie

« Supergrappe des océans du Canada réunit des entreprises de toutes tailles et des partenaires pour offrir des solutions qui viennent changer la donne dans l’océan. Nous sommes des plus heureux de voir une jeune PME comme Colab à la tête de la mise au point et de la commercialisation d’un produit, ainsi que le soutien d’organisations bien établies qui changeront fondamentalement la capacité des équipes qui travaillent à distance pour gérer des projets d’ingénierie complexes. » Kendra MacDonald, directrice générale de Supergrappe des océans du Canada

« Colab est très fier de collaborer avec Genoa, Kraken et PRNL pour construire l’avenir de la collaboration des équipes d’ingénieurs. Des relations solides avec des leaders de l’industrie tels que nos partenaires AOSP font toute la différence en donnant la capacité d’innover et de le faire rapidement pendant les défis sans précédent de 2020. La réalisation de ce projet AOSP de l’OSC permettra à Colab de devenir le leader mondial de l’industrie et d’offrir une solution stratégique pour le secteur de la conception et de la fabrication. » 

Adam Keating PDG de Colab Software

« Genoa est fière de faire partie de l’ingéniosité qui se construit ici même dans le secteur des technologies océaniques de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Les solutions collaboratives issues de partenariats locaux comme ceux-ci alimentent notre économie et contribuent à faire de notre province un centre d’innovation réputé. »

Gina Pecore, PDG de Genoa Design

« Nous pensons que ce projet offre le potentiel d’apporter une solution des plus novatrice qui aidera nos membres, et d’autres industries océaniques et d’autres secteurs, à numériser leurs processus d’examen de conception, réduisant ainsi les coûts et les risques. PRNL est heureuse de collaborer à ce projet de Supergrappe des océans et a hâte de travailler avec Colab. » Dave Finn, PDG de PRNL

« Kraken Robotic Systems Inc. est heureuse de s’associer à Colab Software dans le cadre de son projet AOSP Colab Enterprise. Kraken travaille en étroite collaboration avec Colab depuis deux ans, en évaluant les plates-formes logicielles Colab et en participant à la rationalisation des processus de communication et d’examen de la conception technique de Kraken. Alors que Kraken continue d’étendre ses activités au niveau national et international, il est important que nous nous impliquions auprès de sociétés technologiques qui nous fournissent des outils innovants pour nous aider à collaborer entre les bureaux, à travers les océans et avec nos clients »David Shea, vice-président principal de l’ingénierie de Kraken Robotics

Regardez l’annonce de la vidéo du projet ici.

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Personne-ressource pour les médias :

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709-725-7070

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project One of Three Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program Projects Announced Today

 

Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three projects from its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) stream, including the Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project. This is an ecosystem building project designed to develop technical skills training for Inuit participants across Inuit Nunangat. The total project value is $1,787,238, where the Ocean Supercluster will provide $1,150,258 and the balance of funding will come from project partners working together from Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, and Nunavut to make this a reality.

SmartICE will lead the Ocean Supercluster project in partnership with Pinnguaq Association, Nunavut Fisheries Association, Ilitaqsiniq Literacy Council, and Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.

SmartICE is an internationally recognized work integration social enterprise (WISE) that empowers Indigenous communities to adapt to increasingly unpredictable ice conditions. As a social innovator, SmartICE harnesses the vast potential of Indigenous women and men—especially youth—to embrace science, technology and traditional knowledge as a vehicle for sustainable employment, economic development and wellbeing in their communities.

Based in principles of co-design and in partnership with communities and stakeholders, the holistic, culturally contextualized training curriculum developed, piloted, and evaluated through the Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project will address the barriers faced by Inuit in remote northern communities and promote their inclusion and participation in the ocean economy. This project will create 14 direct jobs and dozens of indirect jobs.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.

 

Quotes

 

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is undeniably building momentum, adding three new and highly-innovative projects to its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program. By working together in partnership with Inuit organizations, the benefits this project will provide will be numerous; from creating more opportunities for under-represented communities to better integration of modern technologies and traditional knowledge to monitor ocean climate change. This kind of cross-sector collaboration is what will make the difference in pushing Canada further in ocean technology market and help communities adapt to climate change.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry

 

“Building a workforce that draws on diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives is critical to realizing our full potential for inclusive, sustainable growth in Canada’s ocean economy. This project will help remove barriers to opportunities in ocean and increase the participation of Inuit living in remote northern communities, helping us grow a well-connected ocean network that is rooted in partnerships and collaboration.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

 

“The funding announced today in support of our Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology project will provide important training for Inuit to enter an emerging labour market in Canada. Building on the land skills of Inuit, and creating a training curriculum that is grounded in Inuit ways of knowing and learning, SmartICE and its partners will bridge many of the training barriers facing Inuit in remote northern communities, and promote their inclusion and participation in the ocean economy. We appreciate the support of the Ocean Supercluster in our northern social enterprise and its investment in Inuit women and men—especially youth—to embrace technology and traditional knowledge as a vehicle for sustainable employment and well-being in their communities.” Dr. Trevor Bell

 

« The Pinnguaq Association is delighted to collaborate with Smart Ice in bringing this incredible project to life.   We are looking forward to coordinating our efforts in order to develop and implement a high quality holistic training program and are grateful to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster for supporting this initiative. » Ryan Oliver

 

“The Nunavut Fisheries Association is a proud partner of SmartIce and its important ice safety work in our member communities throughout the Qikiqtani Region.  We look forward to working with SmartIce on its new Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Technology Project.” Brian Burke, Executive Director, Nunavut Fisheries Association

 

« Ilitaqsiniq is proud to work in partnership to bring unique training and learning opportunities to Nunavut Inuit through this project. The value of this work will save lives, provide employment opportunities and acknowledge the wisdom and scientific knowledge of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. »  Adriana Kusugak

 

“The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation are pleased to play a part in supporting this meaningful work, to co-create new and enduring solutions to complex problems. As evaluators, we will be joining SmartICE and the other partners on this journey and will be capturing the story of the initiative as it unfolds. We will focus on gathering key learnings that can inform and improve not only this project, but others to follow.” Christina Hackett

 

Watch the project video announcement here.

 

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Media contact:

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709-725-7070

Projet Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Tech

 

Supergrappe des océans du Canada a annoncé trois projets découlant de son volet Programme de solutions océaniques accélérées (AOSP) dont le projet Inclusive Workforce for Arctic Ocean Tech (Main-d’œuvre inclusive pour les technologies de l’océan Arctique). Il s’agit d’un projet de création d’écosystème visant à élaborer une formation en compétences techniques pour les participants inuits de l’Inuit Nunangat. De la valeur totale du projet de 1 787 238 $, Supergrappe des océans fournira un financement de 1 150 258 $ pour compléter le financement provenant de partenaires du projet de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, de l’Ontario et du Nunavut qui collaborent à la réalisation de ce projet.

SmartICE dirigera le projet de Supergrappe des océans en partenariat avec Pinnguaq Association, Nunavut Fisheries Association, Ilitaqsiniq Literacy Council et Social Research and Demonstration Corporation.

SmartICE est une entreprise sociale (WISE) reconnue au niveau international qui permet aux communautés autochtones de s’adapter à des conditions de glace de plus en plus imprévisibles. En tant qu’innovateur social, SmartICE vient mobiliser le vaste potentiel de femmes et d’hommes autochtones, en particulier des jeunes, en leur offrant une intégration à la science, à la technologie et aux connaissances traditionnelles en tant que véhicule pour favoriser un emploi durable, une croissance économique et le bien-être dans leurs communautés.

Fondé sur les principes de la conception collaborative et en partenariat avec les communautés et les intervenants, le programme de formation holistique et culturellement contextualisé élaboré, mis à l’essai et évalué dans le cadre du projet Main-d’œuvre inclusive pour les technologies de l’océan Arctique permettra d’abaisser les obstacles auxquels les Inuits sont confrontés dans les collectivités éloignées du Nord et de promouvoir leur inclusion et leur participation à l’économie océanique. On s’attend à ce que le projet crée 14 nouveaux emplois directs et une douzaine d’emplois indirects.

Supergrappe des océans du Canada est un groupe de transformation dirigé par l’industrie visant à résoudre les défis communs des secteurs de l’océan par un programme concerté conçu pour accélérer le développement et la commercialisation de solutions pertinentes à l’échelle mondiale tout en bâtissant une main-d’œuvre inclusive et hautement qualifiée. Supergrappe des océans a ajouté un volet de projet supplémentaire appelé Programme de solutions océaniques accéléré (AOSP) à ses programmes de base en vue de stimuler l’innovation et de nouveaux investissements de l’industrie pendant cette période difficile. Cela permet d’élaborer de plus petits projets ayant un échéancier plus court qui procurent des résultats concrets tout en continuant à renforcer la résilience dans nos secteurs de l’océan.

« Supergrappe des océans du Canada poursuit sa lancée en ajoutant trois nouveaux projets des plus novateurs à son Programme de solutions océaniques accélérées. En travaillant en partenariat avec les organisations inuites, ce projet offrira de nombreux avantages, à partir de la création de plus de possibilités pour les collectivités sous-représentées jusqu’à une meilleure intégration des technologies modernes et des connaissances traditionnelles pour surveiller le changement climatique de l’océan. Ce genre de collaboration multisectorielle vient contribuer au progrès du Canada sur le marché des technologies océaniques tout en favorisant l’adaptation des collectivités aux changements climatiques. » L’honorable Navdeep Bains, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie

« Il est essentiel de bâtir une main-d’œuvre qui s’appuie sur des connaissances, des expériences et des perspectives diverses en vue de réaliser notre plein potentiel de croissance inclusive et durable dans l’économie océanique du Canada. Ce projet aidera à abattre les obstacles aux possibilités dans les océans et à accroître la participation des Inuits vivant dans les collectivités éloignées du Nord, en nous aidant à développer un réseau océanique bien connecté, enraciné dans les partenariats et la collaboration. » Kendra MacDonald, directrice générale de Supergrappe des océans du Canada

« Le financement annoncé aujourd’hui à l’appui de notre projet Main-d’œuvre inclusive pour les technologies de l’océan Arctique permettra aux Inuits de suivre une formation importante pour entrer sur un marché du travail émergent au Canada. En s’appuyant sur les compétences des Inuits en matière de terres et en créant un programme de formation fondé sur les modes de savoir et d’apprentissage des Inuits, SmartICE et ses partenaires permettront d’éliminer bon nombre des barrières à la formation auxquelles les Inuits sont confrontés dans les collectivités éloignées du Nord et de promouvoir leur inclusion et leur participation à l’économie des océans. Nous sommes reconnaissants envers le soutien de Supergrappe des océans pour notre entreprise sociale du Nord et son investissement dans les femmes et les hommes inuits, en particulier les jeunes, pour adopter la technologie et les connaissances traditionnelles comme un véhicule pour la création d’emplois et un bien-être durables dans leurs collectivités. » Dr Trevor Bell

« L’Association Pinnguaq est ravie de collaborer avec SmartIce pour donner vie à cet incroyable projet.   Nous sommes impatients de coordonner nos efforts afin d’élaborer et de mettre en œuvre un programme de formation holistique de haute qualité et nous remercions Supergrappe des océans du Canada de leur appui à cette initiative. Ryan Oliver

« La Nunavut Fisheries Association est un fier partenaire de SmartIce et de son important travail sur la sécurité des glaces dans nos collectivités membres de la région de Qikiqtani.  Nous avons hâte de collaborer avec SmartIce sur son nouveau projet de main-d’œuvre inclusive pour les technologies de l’océan Arctique. » Brian Burke, directeur exécutif de Nunavut Fisheries Association

« Ilitaqsiniq est fier de travailler en partenariat pour offrir aux Inuits du Nunavut des possibilités uniques de formation et d’apprentissage par l’entremise de ce projet. La valeur de ce travail sauvera des vies, offrira des possibilités d’emploi et reconnaîtra la sagesse et les connaissances scientifiques de l’Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. »  Adriana Kusugak

« La Social Research and Demonstration Corporation est heureuse de jouer un rôle dans le soutien de ce travail significatif, afin de co-créer de nouvelles solutions durables venant résoudre des problèmes complexes. En tant qu’évaluateurs, nous nous joindrons à SmartICE et aux autres partenaires dans ce parcours et nous suivrons l’histoire de l’initiative au rythme de son développement. Nous nous concentrerons sur la collecte des enseignements clés qui peuvent éclairer et améliorer non seulement ce projet, mais aussi d’autres projets à venir. » Christina Hackett

Regardez l’annonce de la vidéo du projet ici.

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Personne-ressource pour les médias :

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709-725-7070

Sustainable Oceans: The Future of Food

Presented by the Offshore Fishery Association and Canada’s Ocean Supercluster on Friday, October 23, 2020 as part of TechNL’s Innovation Week 2020:

Cybersecurity is a source of competitive advantage in our ocean sector

The pivotal event in our understanding of the urgency of prioritizing Cybersecurity is surely the attack that struck Maersk shipping in 2017.

A.P. Moller-Maersk is the largest shipping company in the world. It is responsible for 20% of the world trade in containers.  Every 15 minutes on average a Maersk ship will come to port somewhere in the world with upwards of 20,000 containers on board.

On June 27, 2017, Maersk was hit by the NotPetya virus.  It was not targeted; it was collateral damage in a cyberwar between Russia and the Ukraine.  Maersk was only one of hundreds of companies globally that were devastated by an attack that was spread through its accounting software.  The result – the company operated for 10 days without IT.  The shipping company that operated over 800 vessels and 76 ports around the world was dead in the water – and so were its customers. Maersk was forced to reinstall an entire infrastructure – 45,000 pc’s, 4000 servers, 2,500 applications.  Only through a heroic effort by its staff was it able to get back on-line.  The estimated cost to Maersk $300MM and globally the cost was estimated to be in excess of $10BB.

Maersk was an organization that had the capacity to recover from this incident. It begs the question, what hope is there for any organization large or small without the financial wherewithal to recover?

First, some unassailable facts:  there remains a fundamental misunderstanding of the magnitude of the stakes in this game. And, it is a moving target. As digitalization has progressed, it has created much better technology for protection but also an exponential increase in the sophistication of the tools of the cybercriminals.   Being “woke” to this issue is critically important if we are to adopt the measures necessary for our defense.

The timelines are getting compressed.  In the first decade of this century we saw the emergence of cybersecurity, privacy and data protection as mainstream topics.  The conflict between the consideration of “data as the new oil” – something to be shared – versus something to be protected at all costs began.  Over that period, cybersecurity became weaponized. Ransomware and cyberweapons became a plague on business and government.

This pace will quicken.  As new technologies ramp-up, including many critical to our Ocean Supercluster projects – edge computing, autonomous vehicles, digital twins, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and more, success will depend on vigilance and protection on every dimension of operations.
Every sector has its own unique set of challenges and oceans industries are no different.  They are unique in their dependency on many platforms that share data remotely and widely. Whether it’s communications, navigation aids, radar, on-board controls and more, the necessity for these systems to talk to one another presents a whole host of opportunities for intrusion. In addition, the proliferation of sensors of every conceivable description (especially in the oceans) and the dependencies and security risks inherent in this growth moves the problem into a whole new realm.

But. the top security risks do not stem from technology but from the lack of awareness and knowledge of the risks and plans to mitigate and respond accordingly.  The good news is that many of these risks are eminently addressable. Even the smallest player can have the same protection as the largest enterprise if properly prepared.

So, what is to be done?  With the firm understanding that Cyber risks are constantly evolving, here are some questions to consider:

  • Have you completed any kind of cyber security maturity assessment to determine weakness? How are you prioritizing budget & resources against these risks?
  • Are you testing for potential exposure by engaging cyber security professionals to test your vulnerabilities?
  • Are you deploying cyber security & fraud training, practices and procedures? Are you making it personal? Do your staff know that BYOD comes with responsibilities?
  • Do you have a clear understanding of your Supply Chain (Vendors/Third Parties) Contracts?
  • Do you have a Cyber Security Incidence Response Plan which enables you to respond to a breach appropriately?
  • Have you engaged with a security solutions provider to deliver ongoing security management and are they on retainer for critical incident response?

Of course, this goes much deeper. At the time of the incident in 2017, Maersk was 90% digital.  It is moving quickly to 100% and fully autonomous shipping Is on the horizon.

Cybersecurity is a priority issue for boards and owners not only from a risk perspective. Building security into the design of products and services and delivering the processes for secure operations will be a source of significant competitive advantage now and in the future.

Geoff Flood
OSC Board Director

The Hill Times – Canada’s an Ocean Nation

Amazon Prime Series The Future Code to Showcase Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Filming Begins in Atlantic Canada Today

The landmark television series exclusive to Amazon Prime called The Future Code will showcase Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and its game-changing projects that are developing innovative solutions to global ocean challenges and changing the way ocean business is done.

“We are excited to share the story of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. Every day we work with companies of all sizes to help them turn their ideas into collaborative, high-impact projects that solve big problems and generate sustainable ocean growth.” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This is an incredible opportunity to put the international spotlight on Canada’s ocean innovation and profile the work of a number of Ocean Supercluster project teams who are doing amazing things.”

Produced by Re:Source Media Inc., filming began today in Nova Scotia and will continue in Newfoundland and Labrador later this week. The Future Code: Future of Oceans episode will feature Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and its projects that have brought together partners across ocean sectors, who in many cases had never worked together before, to develop and commercialize ocean solutions, triggering new industry investment and economic growth.

“This series focuses on the evolution of industries and how we do business, and the innovators and changemakers around the globe that are leading the way,” said Kevin Fox, President and CEO of Re:Source Media Inc. “With the world’s oceans under significant pressures while at the same time holding so much potential, the future of oceans and the approach Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is taking to solve ocean challenges and drive sustainable ocean growth is a story worth telling.”

The Future Code brings to its viewers stories of new technologies, new ideas, and new ways of looking at problems. In particular, the series focuses on disruptive technologies, as well as new models and leading companies which are revolutionizing industries, changing the workplace and rewriting the future. The Future Code: Future of Oceans episode will air later this fall in the UK, US, and as well as in Canada.

Follow along on Twitter during filming #OnSetwithOSC and #FutureCodeOceans.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $4.9M OceanDNA System™

 

Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its newest project, the OceanDNA System™. Led by eDNAtec Inc. together with partners Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut Fisheries Association, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the OceanDNA System will revolutionize how to assess, monitor and characterize the ocean.

With a total project value of $4.9 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster has provided $2.2 million in funding to the project with the balance of funding coming from project partners. Seventeen jobs will directly support the research and development activity related to the OceanDNA System, and in addition, graduating university students will also have the opportunity to engage in the project to help build capabilities and experience in this area.

The OceanDNA System has applications across ocean sectors and could be used to help inform sustainable ocean management and activity. By reading DNA from environmental samples, such as sediment or sea water, a comprehensive range of organisms can be identified – from bacteria to marine mammals – which yields a complete picture of the ecosystem.  eDNAtec’s technology achieves proven cost reductions, strengthens environmental stewardship, enhances safety and supports regulatory compliance.

Project activity will be led from eDNAtec’s Centre for Environmental Genomics Applications (CEGA) in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in collaboration with project partners to develop and commercialize genomics solutions to modernize the way we monitor, measure and assess fish stocks. Environmental DNA (eDNA) data can also be combined with complementary data derived from acoustics, remote sensing, counts from fishing activities, and historical knowledge to generate predictive models about the presence, location and abundance of high value target species.

Conventional approaches for ecological assessment, such as direct sampling, and visual/acoustic observation, are expensive and often imprecise. ‘Catch and look’ sampling, sorting and individually identifying organisms is lengthy and labor-intensive and is sometimes harmful or disruptive to rare or endangered species. Through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster program, the OceanDNA System will not only address these limitations with its innovative technology, but will also commercialize the solution in world markets, generating new economic activity, creating new jobs and opportunities, while also helping to position Canada as a global leader in ocean genomics.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is changing the way ocean business is done. With an innovative model for growth that reduces risk for Canadian companies, we are increasing collaboration and data exchange across ocean sectors, creating a platform for the development of commercial, sustainable ocean solutions, building an inclusive and highly-capable workforce, and continuing to drive resiliency in our oceans.

 

About eDNAtec

eDNAtec, a leading innovator in environmental DNA technologies, is revolutionizing how to assess, monitor and characterize the ocean.  eDNAtec’s EnviroSeq® is a new biological tracking system that analyzes environmental DNA (eDNA) using next-generation sequencing. By reading DNA from environmental samples, such as sediment or sea water, EnviroSeq® can be used in any ocean environment, including harsh arctic conditions, to identify a comprehensive range of organisms – from bacteria to marine mammals – and yield a complete picture of the ecosystem.  EnviroSeq® achieves proven cost reductions, strengthens environmental stewardship, enhances safety and supports regulatory compliance. We empower the world’s ocean industries, including offshore energy, fisheries and aquaculture.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is teaching us more about Canada’s great marine resources. We are managing our oceans more sustainably while creating new jobs for Canadians.”

  • The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources

“Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is excited to announce its newest Technology Leadership Project called the OceanDNA System Project. With activity led out of St. John’s, this project brings together partners from different ocean sectors across the country to not only revolutionize the assessment, monitoring, and characterization of the ocean, but also builds capabilities, creates jobs, and economic opportunities through commercialization.”

  • Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“We are excited to work with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and our multi-sectoral partners to develop and apply advanced genomic technologies to characterize precious Ocean ecosystems. Genomic tools have been at the forefront of biological detection and surveillance such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. They represent a paradigm shift in our capacity to detect organisms and this can aid immensely for monitoring the ocean environment.”

  • Mehrdad Hajibabaei, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, eDNAtec Inc.

“This project will be seeking to expand the development of eDNA technology to provide significant information to assist in the management of our fishery resources. Used in combination with annual stock surveys and other technologies, including fish tracking programs, this will help improve our understanding of the marine environment and the ecosystem within which we operate our fishery.”

  • Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, Chair of the Nunavut Fisheries Association

Characterization of the marine environment is a critical requirement for operating safely and responsibly in the ocean, and environmental DNA is a very promising technology that offers huge potential for advancing our capability to monitor changes to that environment.  The oil and gas sector has been working with eDNAtec to advance the development of this technology for a while now, and we’re really excited about working with other sectors through the Ocean Supercluster to expand its applicability.”

  • Dave Finn, CEO, Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland & Labrador

“The development of this technology can revolutionize how we conduct ecosystem science, extending our understanding and our capacity to manage ecosystems.”

  • David Cote, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Research Scientist and DFO’s lead OceanDNA project coordinator

 

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Project Partners 

ednatec

Centre for Environmental Genomics Applications

Nunavut Fisheries Association

 

 

 

DFO - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

 

 

 

Media Contact

Nancy Andrews

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

709.725.7070

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

 

Learn more about the OSC

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces Indigenous Career Pivot Project

Alongside members of its Indigenous Working Group and Indigenous community partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced its newest project called the Indigenous Career Pivot Project. This is a first-of-its-kind ocean innovation ecosystem project in Canada that is now fully developed and ready to deploy. The project represents a total investment of more than $740,000 of which $550,000 is funded by the Ocean Supercluster.

Led by Ulnooweg Development Group with their project partners, the Joint Economic Development Initiative and the College of the North Atlantic, the project will facilitate and support meaningful work placements for Indigenous peoples wishing to explore career options in the ocean economy. During their 12-month placements, participants will gain valuable experience in ocean and enhance their knowledge through placements that complement their existing skillset and natural aptitudes. Approximately ten Indigenous people will have the opportunity to work in Ocean Supercluster member organizations as a part of a pilot program.

Learning and support opportunities for both participants and employers have been imbedded into the project and they include: career mentoring support provided by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and employers; the development of a Peer Support Network for Indigenous participants; and intercultural competency training provided to employers.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster recognizes the value of traditional knowledge and has engaged Indigenous stakeholders in the development of its five-year strategy, works closely with its Indigenous Engagement Working Group, and employs a full-time Indigenous Engagement Lead. Although Indigenous people have a connection to the ocean, there is often a disconnect between ocean resources and ocean-related careers. Today’s announcement is the realization of one of the key priorities set out by the Indigenous Engagement Working Group aimed to help address that disparity.

 

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is deepening our understanding of the great marine resources that Canada has within its territorial waters. This new project will provide work placements for Indigenous Peoples, recognizing their traditional knowledge and offering ocean-related career choices.”

  • The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

 

« Together with our members, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is developing new partnerships, launching new projects, building capabilities and opportunities for growth, and we are supporting an innovative ocean economy that is sustainable and inclusive. This has been a true collaboration between the Ocean Supercluster, our Indigenous Engagement Working group, and members of the Indigenous community – and we look forward to continued collaboration as we work towards future projects and initiatives. »

  • Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

 

« Ulnooweg is enthusiastic about the long-term outcomes of pairing Indigenous professionals with training and career opportunities in the ocean economy. Indigenous people have a strong history of innovation and resourcefulness which has helped to advance modern industry. This synergetic collaboration furthers Indigenous participation and engagement as the Ocean Supercluster continues to evolve. » ​

  • Chris Googoo, COO, Ulnooweg Development Group

 

“This is a great opportunity for Indigenous workers to have access to a very unique potential career path in Supercluster Member companies.”

  • John Paul, Executive Director, Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat

 

“The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a leading Indigenous organization dedicated to working with partners to foster Indigenous economic and workforce development in New Brunswick. In collaboration with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, JEDI is committed to advancing the Indigenous workforce in the ocean economy.”

Alex Dedam, JEDI President

 

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Media Contact

Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
709.725.7070
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

 

 

Bring on the narwhals, Canada!

Technology innovators and investors are no strangers to the label unicorn, which is what Silicon Valley calls small, high-growth tech companies when they reach $1-billion valuations. In Canada, those same high-growth firms are dubbed narwhals—after our ocean-dwelling unicorns.

I see much enthusiasm and tremendous potential for narwhals in Canada’s ocean economy. Even with economic uncertainties from the global pandemic, the ocean economy remains a sector with massive opportunities for startups to influence the transformation of traditional ocean-related industries like fisheries and transportation, while finding more sustainable and healthier ways to provide energy, food, therapeutics, and other in-demand products.

When I say that Canada has the potential to be the best place in the world for startups in ocean technology, that is not misplaced enthusiasm. We already have startups leading the way and we have countless generations of experience in ocean industries. Plus, every year our universities and colleges turn out new talent to bring fresh approaches to long-standing challenges, to create startups that develop and apply new technologies, and to disrupt traditional ways of doing business. We have a renewed focus on the ocean.

But not at any cost. As a Maritimer, I know that having three oceans bordering our nation presents us with both great opportunities and equally important responsibilities. For the sake of our planet and a healthy future for today’s youth, I am pleased to see a surge of ocean startups on the horizon, many of them with an appetite to help businesses be better stewards through sustainable practices.

And increasingly investors want to invest in businesses with a sustainability focus. In the shipping industry, global banks and lending institutions are using their money to show they are on board. In what they call the Poseidon Principles, the banks are tying investments and loans directly to their clients’ decarbonization activities and environmental stewardship. And in a summer 2020 peer-reviewed report, economists and analysts presented the benefits and costs of ocean sustainability for 2020 to 2050, calculating that investors will see 5-to-1 returns for dollars spent on the sustainable ocean economy.* Philanthropic organizations are also creating impact funds to grow commercial ventures that improve ocean heath and sustainability. The triple bottom line is an appreciated concept by investors and customers alike in the ocean industry.

Through our recent Ocean Startup Challenge, we received three times more applications than we had anticipated receiving from innovators located across Canada and around the world. It was inspiring to see how many of those applicants proposed solutions to issues threatening healthy oceans and to our fisheries and aquaculture industries. Not surprisingly, another popular category involved leveraging enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, sensors, and data analytics for outcomes like achieving efficiencies, safer work environments and more-informed decision-making.

Here at the Ocean Startup Project, I am truly fortunate to interact with diverse innovators who are focused on ocean technologies, including those who are looking to pivot proven land-based technologies over to ocean applications. This includes highly qualified, mid-career professionals from large companies re-evaluating their options in light of the pandemic and choosing to start new companies. I am already seeing partnerships start to form between talented Millennials and open-minded Gen Xers and Boomers, groups with decades of knowledge and extensive networks.

Canada’s ocean ecosystem has much to offer and now is the time to take risks, collaborate and explore opportunities. Ocean tech startups are well served by Canada’s abundance of incubators and accelerators, engaged mentors who have founded and scaled companies, research teams at post-secondary institutions, and economic and technology development support organizations from municipal through to federal levels.

Consider Canada a nursery for narwhals that can be nurtured by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and collaborative regional ecosystems like we have here in Atlantic Canada and in pockets across the country. I want to see pods of narwhals.

Donald Grant
Executive Director
Ocean Startup Project

*A Sustainable Ocean Economy for 2050. Secretariat of the High Level Panel on Ocean Sustainability. World Resources Institute. July 2020